Edmonton's Heritage Festival comes to a close

The Heritage Festival attracked around 390,000 people this weekend

Organizers estimate that about 390,000 people attended the Heritage Festival this weekend. (CBC News)

As Edmonton’s largest celebration of culture has come to a close, organizers are saying it’s likely the best year they’ve ever had.

Jack Little, the executive director of the Edmonton Heritage festival, said each year the pavilions at the event get more competitive, adding different foods to their menus and putting on more sophisticated performances.

“Last year was absolutely the best year we ever had and this is going to compare to last year,” Little said.

Organizers estimate that up to 390,000 people came to celebrate the Heritage Festival.

For Farzana Yesmin, a new immigrant from Bangladesh, it was a welcoming event.

“Lots of people from different cultures, different countries,” Yesmin said. “I’m going to see their cultural dress, their dance, so I am so excited.”

The event is the single largest food drive for the Edmonton Food Bank for the entire year. Those who attended the festival can still donate food, money or their left over tickets.

Meanwhile, at Gallagher Park, construction is underway for the Edmonton Folk Music festival that starts Thursday.

Organizers say each year the Heritage festival has different food and more sophisticated performances. (CBC News)